About Rachel
Artist statement
Ever since I was a young girl, I have tried to communicate with animals. Eventually, I realized that instead of talking to them, I should be listening. Humans often separate themselves from their animal kin and the natural environment. I use magical realism in my art to give non-human animals a voice, encouraging people to think about what divides us – and begin to bridge the gap – by exploring our interconnectedness and their innate worth.
The goal of my art practice is to connect individuals with nature, to heal themselves and our shared planet. I want to help people understand we are just one part of the natural world with the ability to cause significant destruction or promote positive change.
My recent exhibitions include Catharsis (healing in art and nature), INVASION! (greedy humans as the true invasive species), and Kindred Spirits: Honoring Animals in Death (highlighting our animal kin killed on the road, and showing they are worthy of our attention and grief). My art explores these challenging topics, drawing people in and providing them with moments to sit with their feelings and thoughts, and feel empowered to be good stewards of our fragile planet.
I would be remiss if I did not touch on my roots in scientific illustration, and how it informs all aspects of my work. I find joy in the natural world and revel in minute differences that separate one creature from the next. Truthfully, I enjoy the research into my subject’s natural history almost as much as painting them. Although I originally aimed for a career as a wildlife vet, I soon realized that I preferred drawing animals to treating them medically. A series of owls in pen and ink was the first project on my career path over 25 years ago, and my passion lives on. I enjoy applying both my scientific and artistic training, whether in my exhibition work, illustrating or teaching.
If I’m not in my art studio or teaching art classes, you’ll probably find me having fun with my family, out looking for reptiles, or teaching fitness classes at Purelit Studios in Tucson, Arizona.
Rachel Ivanyi is an award-winning contemporary nature artist, illustrator, and art educator. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology from the University of California, Davis, and a Graduate Certification in Natural Science Illustration from the University of California, Santa Cruz. As a Signature Member of Artists for Conservation, her art lives in the hope that people look closer, feel deeper, and make positive changes in their lives and in the lives of others. Her work has been featured in solo, two-person, and group exhibitions, with many of her paintings appearing throughout the U.S. and internationally, as part of permanent museum collections, and in numerous private collections. Her illustration clients include National Geographic, Scientific American, Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Smithsonian, and nature institutions around the world. Rachel has also taught a wide variety of art classes as a core instructor for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Art Institute, in her beloved desert home of Tucson, Arizona, for over 20+ years. She is represented by Keep Contemporary in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Puppet Master received an Artist for Conservation 2023 Medal of Excellence and Environmental Statement Award.
Metamorphosis received an Artist for Conservation 2023 Medal of Excellence.
Art
Many of Rachel’s paintings have been exhibited across the U.S. and internationally, are part of permanent museum collections, or with private collectors.
Illustration
Rachel uses her illustration work to inspire others to take pride in their natural backyard, and do what they can to live a life of conservation.
Workshops
Rachel teaches classes and workshops at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
Gallery Representation
Rachel Ivanyi is represented by Keep Contemporary in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Upcoming Exhibitions
Kindred Spirits, Honoring Animals in Death, Rachel Ivanyi, Amanda Stronza, and Hannah Salyer opening at Ironwood Gallery, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ April 2025
Select Past Exhibitions
Desert Fables: Illustrations from the Neotenic Queen
Baldwin Gallery, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, AZ September 2023
People and the Planet
Touchstone Gallery, Washington, D.C.
All Eyes on You!
Eye Lounge gallery, Phoenix AZ June 16-July 7 2023
Kindred Spirits
Underland Gallery, Brooklyn, NY July 22 - September 22, 2022
Invasion! Solo Exhibition,
Baldwin Gallery, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum - Continues as Virtual
Artists for Conservation International 2022 Juried Exhibition of Nature, Vancouver, Canada
The Surreal World juried exhibition, Found:re Contemporary, Phoenix, AZ
Catharsis, Healing in Nature & Art, Rachel Ivanyi & Joanna Taylor, Tucson Botanical Gardens 2020